MOT Reminders Extended to Lorries & Buses

Operators of both haulage vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles can now find themselves assisted in the regulatory management of their fleet, as the MOT reminders system provided by the Government has been extended to cover these vehicle categories.

Whereas before, operators would have to manage by record the dates their vehicles needed to take the MOT test, the extension of this system – which previously applied only to cars and bikes – eradicates this headache. The system itself could prove to be useful, as the fine for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT can be up to £1,000.

An operator who has registered their vehicles for this service will receive a reminder by text or email (or both) two months in advance of the date in which the vehicle is due for testing. If that same operator still hasn’t booked the vehicle in to be tested a month before the MOT expires, then they will receive another reminder.

The below link to the Gov.UK website details how operators can set up the reminder scheme.

If, however, an operator subscribes to the reminder scheme and does not wish to carry on, they simply need to follow the instructions to unsubscribe. There are also requirements for operators to unsubscribe from the scheme where they have sold or transferred the vehicle to somebody else or it is scrapped or written it off, or if the vehicle has been registered as off road.

If you would like any advice in respect of the requirement to have an MOT, please contact a member of our Regulatory team on 01254 828300.